Arsene Wenger challenges Arsenal to bury their November jinx as they host big rivals Tottenham in crunch clash

In-form Gunners have won just 14 times in their 30 games this month over the last five years - but beat Ludogorets on Tuesday

By CHARLIE WYETT

4th November 2016, 12:25 am

Updated: 4th November 2016, 12:44 pm

ARSENE WENGER has challenged his in-form Arsenal team to bury their shocking November jinx.

Wenger’s side host bitter rivals Spurs on Sunday, having won just 14 times in their 30 games in November over the last five years.

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Arsene Wenger will take on Mauricio Pochettino in a derby that could prove crucial to the title hopes of both Arsenal and Spurs

A 3-2 win at Ludogorets in Bulgaria on Tuesday started the month in positive fashion.

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But Tottenham, who are unbeaten in the Premier League despite struggling in Europe, should provide a far tougher test.

Wenger said: “It’s exciting. We have an opportunity to show that we are ready for a challenge like this and do better than we have done historically.

“I’m sure this team can face up to history and we also have an opportunity to create it by showing we can do better than we have done before.”

Spurs may be unbeaten, but they trail second-placed Arsenal by three points in the table.

And Wenger added: “We’re in a strong position and we want to strengthen that.

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Arsene Wenger knows a successful November could make all the difference come the end of the season

“Whether it is Tottenham or somebody else, we want to win our home games because our position in the League is very important and we go into a period where we play big games and want to win them.”

While Arsenal struggle in this part of autumn, there is no doubt they always enjoy the bragging rights over Spurs.

Asked about what seems to be a mental hold over Tottenham, Wenger added: “I don’t know, you should ask them that. We try to do as well as we can.

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Granit Xhaka could return to the Prem squad for Arsenal after his 3-game ban

Reuters

Wenger is hoping the Gunners transform from their usual November struggles

“We have to expect Tottenham will be at their best and respond with a performance that will be effective.

“And I believe the mastery on our side will be that no matter how well they play, we are strong enough to win the game.”

Granit Xhaka returns from his three-match domestic ban after being sent off against Swansea.

The Swiss midfielder was also booked in the Champions League and Wenger admitted: “Am I bit concerned? Yes, of course, because discipline is important and we want to be effective in all situations we face.

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“In the derby it is important to keep control of your reaction and to have strong discipline, because it is part of the effectiveness in these games.

“Normally he is a very composed and calm guy. Sometimes on the field he has a reaction that is a bit impulsive and he knows that.”

Whatever his side are faced with on Sunday, Wenger believes in them — especially after winning from 2-0 down on Tuesday.

He said: “From our recent history we have shown that even when we are down or are tested mentally, we had the right response — and that mental aspect will, of course, be very important against Tottenham.”